News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

May 23, 2007

Question: Hey, Matt, my plates, "9ERS SF," were purchased in 1980, not AFTER 1981. I see similarities to 1980: coaching. Strong authority figures, big on character, weeded out disruptive players, highly organized and with an ability to choose outstanding assistants. So, how do you think the two teams compare? Did you feel shame or relief when the Redskins stole the 1983 playoff game with the 49ers?

William, Sacramento

Answer: I was only 9, but I definitely remember that game left me with a distinct sense that the refs had bailed out the Redskins at the end. It proved to be bad karma - they were embarrassed by another Bay Area team in the Super Bowl. That's probably little comfort to you, however.

MATTHEW BARROWS

Matt was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green.